Here's the latest on the province's plan to move the Science Centre to Ontario Place
CBC
The Ontario government has big aspirations for two iconic provincial properties in Toronto that have seen better days.
The government's plan to redevelop Ontario Place into a "world-class, year-round destination" and relocate the Science Centre to the former theme park's waterfront site were the talk of the town this week.
But despite a big announcement Tuesday where Premier Doug Ford and other members of his government laid out their latest vision, there are still many unanswered questions about the future of the controversial plan.
Here's what we know, what don't we know and where things could go from here.
The province announced in July 2021 it would partner with three private companies to build an indoor water park and spa complex, a revamped concert venue and an "adventure park" as part of its plan to reimagine Ontario Place.
Three companies were selected: Austria's Therme, which specializes in water parks and spas; Quebec outdoor recreation firm Écorécréo; and Live Nation, which operates the existing music venues on site, Budweiser Stage and Echo Beach.
On Tuesday, Ford, members of his government and company representatives revealed the next stage of that redevelopment plan. The latest vision includes a new home for the Science Centre, an expanded amphitheatre, a public beach, bars, restaurants, a new marina, a pier, and a massive spa.
Under the proposed plan, the current Science Centre building at the corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills Road in northeast Toronto would eventually be demolished and replaced with housing.
The Science Centre building was first opened in 1969 and is in need of repairs, according to John Carmichael, chair of the centre's board of trustees.
Carmichael said a pedestrian bridge between two of the centre's buildings has been closed for several months awaiting repair, and the building isn't equipped with wi-fi internet.
One of the front entrances is also currently closed for maintenance, requiring visitors to take a shuttle to the rear entrance to access the exhibits.
"We know it's expensive. We know that there is a good deal of work required, as you can imagine with any building of this age," Carmichael said in an interview Wednesday on CBC Radio's Metro Morning.
WATCH | Ford says current Science Centre site 'doesn't cut it':
Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma says a business case that showed it would be more cost-effective to build a new Science Centre at Ontario Place, rather than invest in improvements at its current location.
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